Penn State news by
Penn State's student blog

Topics

More

Meet the Park Avenue Army, Supporting Penn State Women’s Soccer Since 2011

If you’ve ever seen a colonial man with a fantastic beard making his way toward Jeffrey Field with a vuvuzela in tow, you were not hallucinating. Instead, you were witnessing the epitome of women’s soccer fandom heading to his natural habitat. Mike Mulligan is the Vice President of Park Avenue Army, ruling alongside Eric Faust, President and Spiritual Leader.

So what exactly is Park Avenue Army? The Army is a fan club as crazy about women’s soccer as America was in 1999 (the year Mia Hamm victory danced in her sports bra, and Switching Goals came out on VHS). Since 2011 they’ve attended every home game (and a few away, too) in support of the Penn State women’s soccer team.

Treasurer Declan Wilson believes that their mission is, “to pretty much go to the games and go nuts to pump our girls up.”

Legend has it that Mulligan came to Penn State with nothing but the colonial costume on his back (this may or may not be true). He was looking for something fun and unique to do when he found a friend in Faust. The two decided to attend the women’s soccer game that fateful evening and from there, Wilson says, “it became a thing.”

A thing it did indeed become. The boys decided that the girls soccer team was just as deserving of a crazy supportive student section as any other sport.

“We love the sport and found that the girls really appreciated the fact that we came out and cheered for them,” said Faust. So, they made it their mission to make Jeffrey Stadium the most intimidating atmosphere for other schools to play in.

The Park Avenue Army, named after the avenue where the stadium is located, hosts tailgates before games, hands out prizes, and creates an ambiance that only women’s college soccer can have. At the season opener they handed out rally towels to the first 300 fans to show up. If that’s not a motivator, I don’t know what is.

All the while, Mulligan sports his colonial outfit. If you’re wondering what that’s about, apparently it’s just something he decided to buy his freshman year.

Their twitter shows just how much fun they have (road trips AND body paint?!):

Last year, they even ventured to San Diego to watch their gals compete in the college cup. On November 30 the group filled the stadium at the NCAA tourney.

“San Diego was amazing! It helped us PAA members bond with one another as well as the team, and it was definitely one of my best PSU memories so far,” Faust said.

Sadly, the women’s team lost to North Carolina 4-1. Wilson is still too shaken by the lost to comment further.

So if you’re a huge soccer fan, or just want to join an army of some sort, check out their Facebook, Twitter, or simply “enlist in the army” here!

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

State College Goodwill Sells Rare Lego Piece For Over $18,000

While it took some time for Goodwill experts to know what they had on their hands, initial offers for the piece came in at $30,000.

New Defensive Coordinator Tom Allen Brings Key Wrinkles To Penn State Football’s Defense

“We try to keep things simple so we can play fast.”

Women’s History Month: Five Influential Penn State Alumnae

To celebrate Women’s History Month, learn more about five influential Penn State alumnae.

Follow on Another Platform
113kFollowers
164kFollowers
59.4kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Other posts by Sarah

DIY Halloween Costumes

Halloween is arguably the greatest weekend here at Penn State–costume parties and candy, what could be better? Unfortunately, it is also one of the most expensive. If you want to do Halloween properly, you have to have at least three clever costumes, because repeating is lame, and not dressing up is even lamer. Pre-made Halloween costumes happen to be incredibly expensive, and pretty much super boring. So, your options are pretty limited. Your best bet is scouring thrift shops and your own closet to DIY your own perfect costumes. Here are a few options that we came up with.

Freshmen 101: How to Stay Healthy at Penn State

Basic Pumpkin Items in State College